International Women’s Day 2025: Importance of Menstrual Hygiene
Every year, on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—an occasion to recognize the achievements of women across various fields, raise awareness against bias, and take collective action for equality. This day is a powerful reminder of the strides we’ve made in advancing women’s rights, but it also serves as a call to address the ongoing challenges that many women and girls still face. Among these challenges, one topic that remains shrouded in stigma and silence, yet is crucial to women’s health and empowerment, is menstrual hygiene.
Breaking the Silence Around Menstrual Hygiene
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it continues to be a taboo subject in many parts of the world. For countless women and girls, it’s not just about discomfort—it’s about facing social stigmas, cultural taboos, and a lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene products. On this International Women’s Day, it's vital to shine a spotlight on the issue of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and understand why it matters not only for health but for achieving gender equality.
The Impact of Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to severe health complications such as infections, reproductive issues, and even long-term health problems. It also results in girls missing out on education, which affects their future opportunities. The United Nations estimates that 1 in 10 girls in Africa misses school during menstruation, leading to a staggering amount of lost educational hours. Girls who lack access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities often fall behind academically, reinforcing cycles of poverty and gender inequality.
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